MSA Announces Motorsport Classic Experience 2001

3 January 2001

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Miami -- In perhaps the biggest development in its history, the Trans-Am Series and the Panoz/Sanchez Group today announced that it had secured an agreement with CBS Sports to broadcast three of the series races during the 2001 season. Highlighting the package is Trans-Ams first live network appearance in the series 36-year history.

Trans-Ams three feature appearances on CBS will be (All times listed are eastern):

Site Race Date Broadcast Date Time
Detroit June 16 June 17 5:00-6:00
Cleveland June 30 July 1 3:30-4:30
Sears Point July 21 July 21 (Live) 3:00-4:30

"Improving our television package was one of the goals that we announced at Road America in August," said Ralph Sanchez, president of the Panoz/Sanchez Group. "Clearly, securing an agreement with CBS Sports is a milestone achievement that will put the Trans-Am Series on the map. This will provide both our series sponsors and team sponsors with an unbelievable increase in their return on investment. This will dramatically increase the number of households that will be able to see and experience the premier road racing series in America."

Sanchez is no stranger to working with network television. As the promoter of the Miami Grand Prix, Sanchez was the first promoter to negotiate a network television package for IMSAs Camel GT Series. In addition, as promoter of Homestead Miami Speedway, Sanchez was also the first promoter to secure a network show for a NASCAR Busch Series Race.

CBS Sports broadcasts an impressive inventory including the National Football League. It also carries network televisions premeir golf lineup including the Masters and the PGA Championship. CBS Sports is the home of the NCAA Mens Basketball Championship and carries an extensive regular season college basketball and college football lineup. In addition, CBS Sports is the home of the U.S. Open Tennis Championships.

"Based upon our projections, the Trans-Am Series broadcast television package will deliver a significant increase in TV household reach and bottom line event viewership," said Joyce Julius, publisher of the Sponsors Report. "As a result, sponsors and manufacturers involved in the Trans-Am Series are assured a much higher return on investment."

Text Provided By David Lang

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